HVAC SENIOR

Quick Fixes: Resolve Breaker Tripping Issues with Your Window AC.

If Window AC Keeps Tripping Breaker, you should avoid simply resetting it without investigating the root cause.

Every circuit breaker is designed to carry a specific number of amps, or current, and if you exceed this limit, the breaker will trip.

At a glance: Window AC Keeps Tripping Breaker due to Dirty Condenser Coil,There is a Short in the Motor,Overloaded Circuit,Short Circuit,Ground Fault Surges or ARC Fault.

This is a safety feature meant to prevent electrical fires, which could be disastrous for your home, including your air conditioner.

Instead of resetting the breaker, you should focus on identifying why it keeps tripping. Let’s go through a few potential reasons for this recurring issue.

Why Window AC Keeps Tripping Breaker.

It’s highly likely that the root cause of your problem lies within the air conditioner itself. There might be factors contributing to its overheating, causing it to draw more power than it should and exceeding the current limit that your breaker can handle, resulting in the breaker tripping as a safety measure.

Several potential explanations for an air conditioner overheating should be considered.

It’s important to note that the following factors can be applicable to both window air conditioners and central air conditioning units.

1.Dirty Condenser Coil.

Problem: Circuit breaker trips when the air conditioner is running, indicating excessive current draw.

Root Cause: The main culprit behind increased amps is often dirty and clogged condenser coils.

Effects of Dirty Coils:

• Inhibits proper airflow over the coils.
• Can lead to condensation and freezing issues.
• Increases the demand on your air conditioner, pushing it beyond the breaker’s limit.

Condenser Coil Function:

• Carries the system’s coolant.
• Absorbs and removes hot air from your home.
• Releases heat outside.

Solution: Regularly clean your air conditioner’s coils, regardless of the type (window, portable, central, ductless).

Cleaning Steps:

• For window units, remove the back plate and gently brush down the coils.
• Use a mild detergent and water for accessible coils; rinse thoroughly.

Keeping your condenser coils clean is the top tip to prevent your air conditioner from tripping the breaker due to excessive amp draw.

2.There is a Short in the Motor.

All summer long, your air conditioner runs. But motors weren’t built to run indefinitely and if it runs too hot, it can deteriorate the insulation around the wires. 

Motor Wear and Tear:

• Air conditioners run continuously during the summer.
• Prolonged operation can cause motors to overheat and degrade wire insulation.

Risk of Short Circuits:

• Deteriorated wire insulation can result in short circuits.
• Short circuits can lead to electrical fires, prompting the circuit breaker to trip.

Solution:

• Perform a visual inspection for burnt or damaged wires if you have access.
• However, it’s strongly recommended to engage the services of an HVAC professional or electrician for a thorough assessment and any necessary repairs.

Keeping an eye on your air conditioner’s motor and addressing potential short circuit issues is essential to prevent breaker trips and maintain electrical safety.

3.Overloaded Circuit.

An overloaded circuit occurs when you connect more electrical devices or appliances to a single circuit than it can safely handle. This leads to excessive current flow, potentially tripping the circuit breaker.

Solution

To prevent overloading, distribute your electrical load evenly across multiple circuits.

Consider adding additional circuits or upgrading your electrical panel if you frequently experience overloads due to high demand.

4.Short Circuit.

A short circuit happens when a hot wire and a neutral wire come into direct contact within an electrical outlet, creating a low-resistance path for electrical current. This can lead to a sudden spike in current, overheating, and pose a significant fire hazard.

Solution

If you suspect a short circuit, immediately turn off power to the affected circuit to prevent potential fire risks.

Contact a qualified electrician to identify and repair the short circuit, ensuring the safety of your electrical system.

5.Ground Fault Surges.

Ground fault surges occur when a hot wire inadvertently makes contact with the ground wire, leading to an unexpected surge in electrical current. This can create a fire hazard.

Solution

In the event of a ground fault surge, turn off power to the circuit in question to eliminate the risk.

Contact a licensed electrician to locate and address the ground fault, ensuring your electrical system is safe and functional.

6.ARC Fault (AFCI).

An arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is a specialized circuit breaker designed to detect abnormal power fluctuations, such as electrical arcing or sparking that occurs between two connections. These fluctuations can indicate a potential fire risk.

Solution

Enhance your electrical safety by installing AFCIs in your electrical system, which can detect and interrupt potentially dangerous arcing events.

Regularly inspect and test AFCIs to ensure they are functioning correctly, replacing any faulty devices as needed to maintain fire prevention capabilities.

As you can probably tell from the above, if your breaker is tripping due to an overloaded circuit, the solution is to simply unplug an appliance.

The other three are potentially dangerous so you should call an electrician.

Understanding these electrical issues in detail and taking appropriate actions can significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires and circuit breaker trips, ultimately promoting the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system.

Related post>>>>Air Conditioner Keeps Tripping Breaker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping when I use my air conditioner?

• Answer: Circuit breakers trip when they detect an electrical overload, and this can happen if your air conditioner’s condenser coils are dirty, reducing airflow and causing the unit to work harder. Clean the coils regularly to prevent overloading the circuit.

What can cause a short circuit and how can I address it?

• Answer: A short circuit occurs when hot and neutral wires touch within an outlet, posing a fire risk. If you suspect a short circuit, immediately turn off power to the affected circuit and contact a qualified electrician to locate and repair the issue.

What is a ground fault surge, and how do I handle it?

• Answer: Ground fault surges happen when a hot wire touches the ground wire, leading to a spike in current and fire risk. In case of a ground fault surge, turn off power to the circuit and consult a licensed electrician to identify and resolve the ground fault.

What is an AFCI, and how does it prevent electrical fires?

• Answer: An Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) detects unusual power fluctuations, like electrical arcing or sparking, which can signal a fire hazard. Installing AFCIs enhances electrical safety by interrupting such events. Regularly inspect and test AFCIs to ensure they function correctly and replace any malfunctioning devices to maintain fire prevention capabilities.

Conclusion.

Understanding and addressing potential electrical issues is crucial for maintaining a safe and reliable home electrical system.

Whether dealing with overloaded circuits, short circuits, ground fault surges, or the preventive measures offered by Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs), knowledge is the key to electrical safety.

Regular maintenance, distributing loads evenly, and seeking professional assistance when necessary can help prevent circuit breaker trips, electrical fires, and ensure the longevity of your appliances.

By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures, homeowners can enjoy a safer and more secure living environment while avoiding potential electrical hazards.